Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem occurring during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle traditionally includes excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Desire and arousal are both part of the excitement phase of the sexual response.

Everything you wanted to know about sex

There are 4 categories of Sexual dysfunction:

1. Disorder of Desire —lack of sexual desire or interest in sex
2. Disorder of Arousal —inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual activity
3. Disorder of Orgasm —delay or absence of orgasm (climax)
4. Disorder of Pain — pain during intercourse

FAQs about Sexual Dysfunction

The Cause of Sexual Dysfunction can be physical or psychological:

Physical - Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function, including diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism anddrug abuse. In addition, the side effects of some medications such as anti-hypertensive medication, can affect sexual function.

Psychological — These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, concerns about body image, and the effects of a past sexual trauma.

Symptoms:

In Men

• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse (erectile dysfunction)
• Absent or delayed ejaculation despite adequate sexual stimulation (retarded ejaculation)
• Inability to control the timing of ejaculation (early or premature ejaculation)

In Women:

• Inability to achieve orgasm
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse
• Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse

In men and women:

• Lack of interest in or desire for sex
• Inability to become aroused
• Pain with intercourse